10 Gophers to appear on biggest college stage in track and field

The Gophers men's and women's track and field teams will have a combined 10 athletes competing at this week's NCAA outdoor championships at Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore.

The men's prelims are Wednesday, with the finals on Friday. The women's prelims are Thursday, with the finals on Saturday. Television coverage is spread over ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPNU.

A closer look at the Gophers' NCAA participants:

Luca Wieland, decathlon

Senior from Saarbrucken, Germany, is a two-time first team All-America in the heptathlon and won the 2015 NCAA title in that event. He holds the Gophers record in the decathlon (8,201 points).

Mitch Hechsel, 800 meters

Senior from Apple Valley placed 14th in the 800 at last year's NCAA championships. He ran a personal best 1:47.26 last month, good for the sixth seed in this event.

Senior from East Ridge was a second-team All-America last year as part of the Gophers 4x400 relay. Started competing in the 800 last month and is seeded 21st (1:48.39).

Obsa Ali, 3,000 steeplechase

The sophomore from Richfield is making his NCAA outdoor championships debut. He is seeded 18th in this event (8:51.20).

Emerald Egwim, 400

Junior from Eagan set Gophers 400 record this season (51.99). Finished 16th in the 400 at NCAA indoor championships this year.

Senior from White Bear Lake makes her NCAA championships debut. Holds fifthbest mark in Gophers history (199 feet, 11 inches).

Temi Ogunrinde, hammer

Sophomore from Cottage Grove set a Gophers record in the hammer throw (210) this year. This is her NCAA championships debut.

Emma Spagnola, 100 meter hurdles

Junior from Aurora, Ill., placed 11th in the 60 hurdles at the NCAA indoor championships. Holds second-best 100 hurdles time in Gophers history (13.02).

Fargo, N.D., native holds Gophers record in this event (9:51.83) and won the Big Ten championship.

Taylor Wiebke, high jump

Sophomore from Kasson, Minn., set the Gophers record in the high jump this year (6-1).